Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter central to attention, memory, and muscle control — the target of cholinergic stimulants and the system supported by choline supplementation.

Why it matters

Acetylcholine is synthesised from choline and acetyl-CoA in cholinergic neurons. It mediates attention, learning, REM sleep, and neuromuscular transmission. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine) treat Alzheimer’s disease by raising synaptic ACh.

In practice

Most cognitive supplements that work through ACh do so by increasing the precursor pool (choline, alpha-GPC, CDP-choline) rather than directly inhibiting breakdown. The downstream effects on attention and memory follow from raising baseline cholinergic capacity.

Common confusion

“Boost acetylcholine and you boost cognition” is too simple — the system has tight feedback regulation and the brain self-corrects for moderate supplementation.

This glossary entry is editorial content reviewed against primary sources. It is not medical advice. See our Editorial Policy.